The community-focused research has taken place as part of a new work-based project module on UCL’s Sociology BSc degree. Final year students had the opportunity to become ‘sociological consultants’, working on an extensive body of research on behalf of a partner organisation. 

Camden Council was the first partner to get involved in the new initiative, recognising the huge value in having experienced UCL students carrying out research on their behalf. Both projects focused on issues the Council was keen to address but didn’t have the resources to explore in depth in-house.

The first project centred on parks in Camden, and specifically how the Council could make its parks more accessible to women. The second project focused on Camden’s young queer community. The aim here was to help the Council better respond to the needs of this demographic, given that around 40% of local queer venues have now closed.

Both projects culminated in an in-depth report, outlining the research and proposed solutions. The work was of such a high quality that it has informed the Council’s evidence base and business case for improving a much-loved local park, and for shaping their night-time economy strategy. 

“We’re very impressed with the work that UCL students have done on our behalf. They’ve conducted in-depth research into two important issues for our borough, and their findings have been invaluable in helping us to develop our policies and services,” says Elena Murray, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, Camden Council.

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    Kilburn Grange Park. Copyright: Camden Council.

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